Entries Tagged 'Tips' ↓

1. Remove the foil capsule and tear away the paper around the neck of the bottle as well. You will remove the wire cage also, but only immediately before sabering.
2. Chill the bottle very, very well. Make a thick slurry of ice and water in a large bucket and chill the wine, making certain it is submerged entirely in the cold, for at least an hour. It must be extremely cold, or it may all just crumble in a heartbreaking explosion in your mitts. In fact, I turn mine upside down to make sure the neck is utterly cold. Dustin Wilson, the wine director of Eleven Madison Park — where they saber the house-imported Cuvée Vigneron from grower-winemaker Roger Pouillon only for couples getting engaged in the restaurant — stresses to his sommeliers that the single most import aspect of the process is “getting that bottle arctic.”
3. Once the bottle is brutally cold, remove the wire cage. Locate one of the seams and place your weapon flat along it, using the dull side. Hold it out from your body, at a 45 degree slant and pointed away from any onlookers. Run your blade flat along the seam, in a straight line up, striking the neck ring forcefully (and simultaneously shrieking “Sauve qui peut!”).
4. With any luck, or the merest practice, the ring pops off like nothing, and you should lose very little wine. It’s quite surgical. If the first go doesn’t get it, don’t be discouraged. Make some self-deprecating witticism, line it up and try again. Once you’re victorious, and understandably elated, refrain from the urge to swig from the open bottle. That, too, is surgical, but in a different way.
5. The outward force of the pressure releasing immediately blows any stray shards of glass out and away from the bottle. This means you needn’t worry about drinking glass shards, but you do need to pass the Swiffer around the dining room before traipsing about barefoot. Or better, saber your Champagne on a beach.

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Parents with Young Children:

Before Leaving Home:

1. Make your child eats dinner before setting out.

2. Make sure children use the bathroom before leaving home.

3. Plan your route ahead of time.

Flash Lights:

1. Make sure your child carries a flashlight or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.

2. Carry a flashlight to illuminate sidewalks, steps and paths. Check or replace batteries before you leave the house.

3. Glow Sticks can be used in the dark along with flashlights.

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When you grill, you hardly need a recipe. Knowing the right technique is what’s important. The key to success, whether with a gas or a charcoal grill, often involves creating two zones: one for high, direct heat and another for low, indirect heat.

The direct-heat area is where you begin, searing the meat with the lid open. Thicker cuts are then moved to the indirect-heat zone to finish cooking, with the lid closed; the meat won’t burn, and it will stay moist.

Here, you’ll learn how to set up those two zones and get tips and cooking times for fish, chicken, different cuts of steak, and pork chops. You’ll also find recipes for barbecue sauces and advice on maintaining your grill so it’s always ready to fire up for another fine meal.

Grilling Tips to Live By:

• Bring steaks and pork chops to room temperature before grilling them. Keep fish and chicken refrigerated.
• Season foods generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high.
• When searing foods, always keep the lid open.
• Don’t flip food often or move it around (unless you’re doing so to avoid flare-ups).
• Let steaks, chops, and chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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The best way to win an argument with your husband is simple: DON’T HAVE ONE. Even if it feels good in the moment think about it, what are you really winning? I am a lawyer—and as such often find myself in the crosshairs– between two adversaries who are determined to duke it out—and I can honestly say that cooler heads do prevail, that those with a long term strategy who really know what it is they want and demonstrate the restraint and long term thinking they need to achieve it, more often than not are successful.  Think about it—your husband is your life partner, the person whose back you’ve chosen to have and who ostensibly will have yours. Will beating him in a ridiculous argument really serve either of you?

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A lady always shows respect and consideration for others while placing a premium on honesty and graciousness. A lady also knows how her individual choices may affect others and how easy it is to choose words and actions more wisely. If you missed out on cotillion as a child, I think it best to invest in an etiquette book. ‘Emily Post’s Book of Etiquette’ is great to look up and source any question you might have and a perfect addition to any Lady’s Library. In the meantime here are my top 10 tips for being a lady in modern day society. – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

1. Follow Through – Nobody likes a flaky person. Regardless of how busy your life has become with commitments to your Husband and Children, you should never agree to take on more than you can handle i.e.… rsvp-ing to events, lunches with friends or other engagements. When receiving an invitation, contemplate if you’ll be exhausted from a busy day and politely decline. Many people re-arrange their schedules and look forward to plans and get upset with last minute cancellations. If a cancellation is necessary, be sincere in your apology and reschedule as soon as possible.

2. Phone Etiquette – Calls should only be placed between the hours of 9:00am – 10:00pm.  Try to make a habit of returning calls within 24 hours of getting the message. When taking calls on your cell phone do consider other around you, keep conversations short and never discuss private matters in public. Your cell phone should remain in your purse and never be taken out during a meal. If need be excuse yourself from the table to check in with babysitters or any other emergencies. When in theatres or performances turn your phone to silent or off and avoid texting. Texting is extremely rude when in the presence of others.

3. Dressing Like a Lady – A lady always leaves something to the imagination, which is why one should choose to show a little leg or instead decide to accentuate your décolletage. When sitting down always cross your legs or ankles to avoid nearby peeping toms; it’s also important to practice getting in and out of cars without flashing the valet. (How to get out of a car without showing your knickers) Take the time to learn which dress codes are appropriate for certain occasions, for example if your invitation calls for “Cocktail Attire”, “Black Tie” or “White Tie,” would you know what is appropriate to wear? (Dress Code Guide)

4. It’s The Little Things – When a guest enters your home, do you offer them a glass of water or beverage of their choice? When arranging for a dinner party, do you remember if one of your dinner guests has a gluten allergy? When selecting a gift, is it something your friend mentioned they wanted? Just as a gentlemen would offer his coat if you were showing signs of being cold is how you should pay attention to small details. It’s a great way to show the people around you how much you care and are listening. Go the distance to make the people in your life feel incredibly special.

5. Always The Gracious Guest – Whether you have been invited over to a someone’s home for a dinner party, movie screening or cocktails, Never show up without a hostess gift. The gesture can be as small as a bottle of wine or dessert to as grand as having a flower arrangement delivered.

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